Creamy Beef And Spinach Pasta

Name: Creamy Beef And Spinach Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta of your choice; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup beef broth; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese, for serving

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Magic

I love whipping up this Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta on busy weeknights. It's a one-pot dish that combines tender beef, fresh spinach, and creamy sauce, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal for the entire family. When I'm short on time, this recipe is the perfect solution because it takes just 30 minutes to bring together all the delicious ingredients. Plus, it's relatively easy to prepare and clean up afterward, which is always a win in my book!

Created by

Maribel Hayes

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:21:36.206Z

When my friends come over, I often serve this creamy pasta dish because it's always a crowd-pleaser. Recently, I experimented with adding garlic and a splash of lemon juice, which really elevated the flavors. It made the dish feel light yet indulgent, balancing the richness of the cream with a refreshing hint.

I've found that using fresh spinach rather than frozen gives a vibrant color and a wonderful texture in each bite. Also, using a good quality pasta makes a noticeable difference in the overall experience. I think you’ll love how simple yet impressive this recipe is!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta
Hearty beef and nutritious spinach in every bite
A quick dish ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights

Perfecting the Pasta

When choosing your pasta, opt for shapes that can hold the creamy sauce well, such as penne or fusilli. These shapes create a delightful combination with the beef and spinach, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you use. This slight firmness will help it resist overcooking when combined with the sauce later.

Don’t forget to reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is a fantastic tool to adjust the consistency of the sauce later on if it turns out too thick. Just a splash can make the dish silkier and help the sauce cling better to your pasta.

Flavorful Beef and Aromatics

Using fresh ground beef is essential for this recipe; it adds rich flavor and hearty texture. Make sure to cook it over medium heat to avoid charring, which can lead to bitterness. After browning, you want to see some flavorful brown bits at the bottom of the pot, known as fond. These enhance the dish’s depth when combined with the broth and cream.

When sautéing the onion and garlic, aim for a translucent appearance in the onion, which indicates that the flavor has been released, adding complexity to the dish. Be cautious not to burn the garlic; it can start to turn bitter after just 30 seconds on the heat. Stir frequently and keep a close eye on it to achieve that perfect aromatic base.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

8 oz pasta of your choice
1 lb ground beef
2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, for serving

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious dish:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Beef

In the same pot, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the heavy cream, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and cooked pasta. Mix well.

Add Spinach

Fold in the chopped spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Your creamy beef and spinach pasta is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of mustard to the sauce for depth of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can easily replace the beef. While these will provide a different flavor profile, they still hold up well with the creamy sauce. Just remember that turkey tends to be less fatty, so you may want to add a splash of olive oil while browning it to maintain moisture.

For those avoiding dairy, coconut milk can be used in place of heavy cream to provide a different kind of creaminess. However, consider adding a dash of lime juice to cut through the richness. Additionally, swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Storing and Reheating

This Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to the pot to restore moisture, as the pasta may absorb liquid during storage. Heat over low heat while stirring gently to avoid clumping.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the dish without the added cheese. Place it in freezer-safe bags, and it should last for about two months. To reheat from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it gently on the stove or in the oven until bubbling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prepare the beef mix in advance and then add the pasta and spinach when ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

Fresh garlic bread and a green salad make great sides for this dish.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.